2005 BMW X5
3 recalls and 103 owner complaints on record for this model year.
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This page describes the model. To see how one particular car is equipped, and whether its identifier is valid, decode its VIN.
Decode a VIN3 recalls and 103 owner complaints on record for this model year.
This page describes the model. To see how one particular car is equipped, and whether its identifier is valid, decode its VIN.
Decode a VINAlmost all of this describes the model year, not the individual car. Nothing here can tell you about this vehicle’s mileage, accidents or ownership — no identifier encodes those.
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BMW BIKE CARRIERS, P/N 82110393954, SOLD FOR USE ON MY 2005 BMW X3 AND X5 VEHICLES. A PINCH BOLT EXISTS BETWEEN THE BIKE ARM BRACKET AND THE UPRIGHT ASSEMBLY OF THE HITCH STYLE BICYCLE RACK.
Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND PROVIDE A REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 13, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES TOLL-FREE AT 800-831-1117.
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN INCORRECTLY MANUFACTURED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PARKING PAWL GUIDE PLATE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPAIR AND REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION GUIDE PLATE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 30, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-332-4269.
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE ATTACHMENT OF THE BRAKE LINE SUPPORT BRACKET WITHIN THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL WELL WAS NOT WELDED ACCORDING TO SPECIFICATIONS. IT COULD LOOSEN AND OVER TIME THE BRAKE HOSE COULD RUB AGAINST THE WHEEL WELL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL RE-ATTACH THE BRAKE LINE SUPPORT BRACKET TO THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL WELL FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 20, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
Published by model year, not by VIN — may not apply to this vehicle, or may already have been done. Confirm with a dealer.
Water may come into contact with the starter relay and gradually cause corrosion. This could affect the electrical connection inside the relay and make the engine difficult to start. It may also result in a short circuit and could cause the starter to overheat leading to a fire when the vehicle is in motion or when it is parked with the ignition off. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
The engine starter’s electrical contacts may overheat and cause the vehicle to start improperly. Continued starting attempts can intensify the overheating and ignite surrounding components, potentially leading to a vehicle fire while driving or shortly after parking. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
My father was sitting in his parked car in his driveway and his car caught on fire. A neighbor witnessed it she said it was engulfed in flames within seconds and my father died from smoke inhalation due to the fire. Aberdeen WA police department and fire department examined the vehicle and investigated the cause and determined it started in the vehicle engine. Also the coroner did an autopsy to determine his cause of death. From what I understand there has been numerous similar fires with this model yet it hasn’t been included in any recall. It is unknown to me whether there were any indicator lights on. He had only owned the vehicle for less than a week I believe. I am having the vehicle returned to me now that the police and fire department are finished examining it. As far as I know they are the only ones to have contact with it since the fire.
BMW'S HIGH INSTANCES OF "HARD 2-1 DOWNSHIFT" AS THEY CALL IT. MANY MODELS OF BMW'S EXPERIENCE A FEELING OF BEING REAR ENDED WHILE SLOWING TO A STOP AND THEN ASKING FOR AN ACCELERATION. ALSO DESCRIBED AS "SLIP AND SLAM" BY MANY PEOPLE, THERE IS AN OBVIOUS DEFECT IN THE TRANSMISSION. THIS PROBLEM SEEMS TO GET PROGRESSIVELY WORSE THE MORE YOU DRIVE LEADING UP TO EVERY TIME YOU DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE. BMW IS OBVIOUSLY AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AS THEY HAVE A NAME FOR IT, BUT GETTING A DEALERSHIP TO ADMIT TO A PROBLEM, LET ALONE FIX IT IS ANOTHER STORY. CAR IS CURRENTLY IN THE SHOP TO BE "REPROGRAMMED" AT A COST OF $180.00, BUT THE TECHNICIAN FLAT OUT TOLD ME THAT THIS PROBABLY WOULDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM AND MAYBE I COULD JUST LIVE WITH IT. THIS IS NOT AN OPTION, AS EVERY TIME THIS EVENT HAPPENS MY 4 AND 6 YEAR OLD DAUGHTERS ASSUME WE HAVE BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND START PANICKING, NOT TO MENTION THE BONK ON THE HEAD AND STRAIN ON THEIR NECKS FROM THE JOLT. MY CAR IS NOW OUT OF WARRANTY, BUT THEY WILL GLADLY REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION AT MY COST AND THAT SHOULD FIX THE PROBLEM. THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM POSSIBLY INVOLVING MANY HUNDREDS OF CARS AND MANY COMPLAINTS OF THIS PROBLEM INCLUDING CLAIMS OF WHIPLASH CAN BE FOUND ON CHAT BOARDS SUCH AS EDMUNDS.COM, XOUTPOST.COM AND BIMMERFEST.COM...OR JUST TYPE IN BMW FEELS LIKE BEING REAR ENDED...AND IT WILL ALL COME UP. HOPEFULLY ALL OF THESE PEOPLE HAVE PUT IN A COMPLAINT AS WELL SO THAT SOMETHING CAN FINALLY BE DONE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, SEEING AS HOW BMW REFUSES TO FIX IT THEMSELVES. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE DRIVER WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP, ANOTHER DRIVER FAILED TO YIELD THE RIGHT OF WAY AND CRASHED INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SPIN SEVERAL TIMES. THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. ADDITIONALLY, THE PASSENGER FRONT AND REAR CURTAIN AIR BAGS PARTIALLY DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE HEAD, THE BACK, AND THE FEET THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT DID NOT DISCLOSE IF A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OR NOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000. *TT
DRIVING ON I-95 AT 65 MILES PER HOUR. HIT ON PASSENGER SIDE, REAR QUARTER PANEL FROM ANOTHER CAR ATTEMPTING TO CHANGE LANES WITHOUT SEEING MY AUTO. MY CAR WENT INTO A HIGH SPEED SPIN RESULTING IN THE CAR LEAVING THE HIGHWAY CAUSING A HEAD ON, HIGH IMPACT CRASH INTO A CANAL. AIR BAG(S) DID NOT DEPLOY, HOWEVER ALL WINDOWS, SUNROOF, AND TRUNK AUTOMATICALLY OPENED ALLOWING EASY EXIT. *TR
I WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 40 MILES AN HOUR WHEN THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME MADE A PANIC STOP AND I CRASHED INTO THE BACK OF IT. MY AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER SAID MY CAR IS TOTALED AND THERE WAS SOMETHING WRONG WITH MY AIR BAGS BECAUSE THEY SHOULD DEPLOYED. I HURT MY KNEE PRETTY BAD FROM IT HITTING THE DASH.
BMW X5 2005 A HOLE WAS BURNED INTO THE DRIVERS SEAT, BURNING MY LEG AND A HOLE IN MY SWEATER, WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET. I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE NEW IN 2005 AND HAVE HAD IT SERVICED REGULARLY.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW X5. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO EXIT THE VEHICLE, THE DOOR INDEPENDENTLY CLOSED. THE CONTACT'S RIGHT THUMB WAS SEVERED AND MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO RALLYE BMW (1 BRUSH HOLLOW ROAD, WESTBURY, NY 11590) WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE FUNCTIONED AS DESIGNED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, AND PROVIDED AN INVESTIGATOR TO CONFIRM THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 25,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, ALL THE FRONT AND REAR DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES TO THE ARM, WHICH DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PACIFIC BMW (800 S BRAND BLVD, GLENDALE, CA 91204) WHERE THE DEALER STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER WOULD DIAGNOSE AND INVESTIGATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER SENT AN INVESTIGATOR WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS EVIDENCE OF A COLLISION, WHICH WAS THE CAUSE OF THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. AS A RESULT, THE MANUFACTURER DECLINED TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS IN FULL, BUT STATED THAT THEY WOULD PAY FOR THE REPAIR PARTS, BUT NOT THE LABOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,800.
SEAT HEATER BURNED HOLE THROUGH DRIVER SIDE SEAT CUSHION & BURNED MY LEG. *TR
AS MY CAR SAT IN MY DRIVEWAY (WITH NO KEY IN THE IGNITION), IT BURST INTO FLAMES, SPREADING TO NEARBY TREES AND BUSHES, AND CRACKING SEVERAL WINDOWS IN MY HOUSE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT PUT IT OUT BEFORE IT COULD BURN THE HOUSE DOWN AND I MANAGED TO ESCAPE THE HOME WITHOUT INJURY.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW X5. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT HEATER BURNED A HOLE IN THE SEAT AND THE CONTACT'S PANTS. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE IN MAY 2013. ON JULY 25, I HAD JUST STARTED THE CAR AND BLACK SMOKE BEGAN POURING OUT OF THE VENTS. NO SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD. I TURNED OFF THE VCAR AND WENT FOR HELP. SPARKS AND FLAMES STARTED, THE DRIVERS CURTAIN AIRBAG DEPLOYED, AND THE ALARM WENT OFF. WE WERE ABLE TO STOP THE FIRE WITH AN EXTINGUISHER ANDNO ONE WAS HURT. I SAW ANOTHER COMPLAINT OF THIS TYPE. MY CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS. ALL THE ELECTRONICS ARE BURNED OUT. THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN SPONTANEOUSLY! *TR
LAST SATURDAY WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY OUR (2005 X5) AIR CONDITIONER BEGAN SMOKING, ESPECIALLY ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. WE PULLED OVER AND WITHIN 10 MINUTES THE ENTIRE CAB WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES (NO FLAMES UNDER THE HOOD). WE WERE ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE BEFORE THE FLAMES ERUPTED. THE VEHICLE IS TOTALED, ALONG WITH APPROXIMATELY $12,000.00 IN PERSONAL CONTENTS. *TR
ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2005 I PURCHASED A NEW 2005 BMW 330I. WHILE DRIVING TO WORK ON DECEMBER 1, 2005 I TURNED THE HEATER ON FOR THE FIRST TIME. THE HEATER HAD ONLY BEEN ON FOR A FEW MINUTES WHEN I STARTED TO SMELL A BURNING TYPE OF ODOR. I WAS NOT SURE IF THE ODOR WAS COMING IN FROM THE OUTSIDE OR IF IT WAS INSIDE MY CAR. THE ODOR BECAME STRONGER AND RESEMBLED THAT OF AN ELECTRICAL BURN. I THEN OBSERVED WHITE SMOKE COMING OUT FROM THE HOOD OF MY CAR. WITHIN MINUTES THE SMOKE BECAME GRAY. AT THIS POINT I WAS IN HEAVY EARLY MORNING TRAFFIC. I WAS IN THE MIDDLE LANE WHICH WAS SLOWING DOWN/STOPPING FOR A TRAFFIC LIGHT. AS I CAME TO A STOP THE SMOKE WAS TURNING BLACK AND WAS VERY THICK. I PUT THE VEHICLE INTO PARK AND TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. BY THIS POINT VISIBILITY TO MY FRONT WAS OBSCURED BY THE SMOKE. I KNEW THAT I SHOULD EXIT THE CAR. I BEGAN OPENING THE DRIVER'S DOOR BUT THE CARS WERE MOVING QUICKLY AND I FEARED BEING HIT. I MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS WHILE SIMULTANEOUSLY HITTING THE BMW ASSIST BUTTON ON THE REAR VIEW MIRROR. I TOLD THE OPERATOR THAT MY CAR WAS ON FIRE, AND SHE STATED THAT SHE WOULD CONTACT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. DURING THIS I SAW THAT THERE WAS A POLICE CAR ONE CAR BEHIND ME. FORTUNATELY HE MANEUVERED HIS CAR INTO THE LEFT LANE TO BLOCK THE TRAFFIC AND I WAS ABLE TO EXIT THE CAR. THE FIRE TRUCKS RESPONDED QUICKLY AND PUT THE FIRE OUT. THEY DID HAVE DIFFICULTY TRYING TO OPEN THE HOOD. THEY FINALLY HAD TO USE A CROW BAR TO GET IT OPENED. MY CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED IT. TO DATE REPRESENTATIVES FROM BMW HAVE INSPECTED MY CAR. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO DETERMINE WHAT THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS. MY CAR REMAINS AT THE DEALERSHIP, THE FRONT END WAS BURNED TO A CRISP AND THERE WAS NO RESOLUTION TO THE SITUATION. *AK
THERE ARE 3 RECALLS REPORTED FOR MY YEAR MAKE AND MODEL OF A CAR I JUST PURCHASED THAT AT GIVING ME PROBLEMS AND I'M RECEIVING WARNING MESSAGES ON MY NAVIGATION BUT MY VIN IS NOT REGISTERING WITH DEALERSHIP FOR BEING ELIGIBLE FOR RESOLUTION PLEASE REPLY BACK WITH STEPS TO REPAIR
Filed by owners of this model year and unverified by NHTSA — one person’s account, not an established fact.
The RSW22 starter with reinforced water tightness (RWT) may experience increased abrasion of the magnetic contact, causing deposits to build up at the lowest point inside the relay. These deposits may increase relay contact resistance, leading to starting failures or short circuits. If a short circuit occurs, either when attempting to start the vehicle or while driving due to vibration-related movement of the deposits, it could cause a thermal event and increase the risk of fire. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
The positive battery cable of the starter-generator may not have been manufactured correctly. This could result in a loose electrical connection, leading to excessive contact resistance. The vehicle cannot charge or start. Contact points in the starter-generator could overheat and cause a vehicle fire. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
The chemical substances in the inflators of the TAKATA PSDI4 airbags may deteriorate over time, particularly in warm, humid climates. This could cause the airbag to rupture with too much force in the event of an accident, which could lead to serious or even fatal injuries in the worst-case scenario. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
The failure concerns the RSW22 starter, type RWT (reinforced for watertightness). Increased abrasion of the magnetic contact can lead to the formation of deposits at the lowest point of the relay interior. This in turn can increase the resistance of the relay contact, causing accidental ignition or even short circuits, possibly leading to a thermal reaction and fire. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
The failure concerns the RSW22 starter, type RWT (reinforced for watertightness). Increased abrasion of the magnetic contact can lead to the formation of deposits at the lowest point of the relay interior. This in turn can increase the resistance of the relay contact, causing accidental ignition or even short circuits, possibly leading to a thermal reaction and fire. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
The hollow shaft of the servomotor was not welded correctly. The weld may not be able to withstand high braking pressure build-up and may break. In this case, the reduced braking performance requires greater force and the braking distance may increase. In addition, the ABS and DSC brake control systems are not assisted. This increases the risk of an accident. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
The propellant in the driver airbag may deteriorate over time. If the airbags deploy, it could result in fragments from the inflator injuring the vehicle's occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
The propellant in the driver airbag may deteriorate over time. If the airbags deploy, it could result in fragments from the inflator injuring the vehicle's occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
The software-based overload protection function cannot sufficiently prevent the starter being overloaded in the event of repeated long start-up attempts. The starter may overheat or sparks may be produced as a result of an increased current flow. This increases the risk of a fire. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
The gas generator in knee airbag modules was not properly inserted into the air cushion, resulting in the cushion failing to unfold sufficiently. As a result, it may not be able to deploy correctly in the event of an accident, leading to a reduction in the restraint effect, increasing the risk of injury to the occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
A seam on the inflator housing of the driver airbag may not have been correctly welded. In case of accident, when the airbag is deployed, the inflator can burst, releasing metal parts which could cause injuries. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
The stated maximum load specified in the user manual is incorrect. This could cause users to overload the vehicle, potentially leading to damage to the car and an increased risk of accidents and injuries. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
The integrated braking system could be compromised, which could lead to an unexpected failure of the hydraulic braking assistance, thereby requiring greater pressure on the brake pedal. This can result in a longer braking distance, as well as failure of the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), increasing the risk of an accident. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
The dashboard in the affected vehicles may not have been manufactured to the manufacturer specifications. In the event of anaccident, the passenger side airbag may not deploy as intended which could increase the risk of injury to the frontpassenger. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Due to a manufacturing error, the weld seam of the integrated transmission control unit (ITCU) may not have been correctly executed. As a result, transmission oil could leak into the ITCU, causing it to fail. This may lead to transmission seizure, increasing the risk of an accident. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Matched on brand and model name — Safety Gate publishes no VIN. Check the production dates, and quote the recall code to a dealer.